Five Major Champions, two former World Number Ones and 22 Ryder Cup players will assemble at Woburn Golf Club next month as the British Masters supported by Sky Sports makes its eagerly-awaited return to The European Tour International Schedule after a seven year absence.
The ‘Best of British’ element for the tournament’s comeback from October 8-11 is undeniable, with many GB&I players in the line-up over the superb Marquess’ Course aiming to capture a title which became synonymous with British professional golf in the post-World War II era.
Played every year from 1946-2008 with the exception of 1984 , the British Masters crown has been a highly valued prize on The European Tour – and this year even more so, as the event makes a welcome return to a club which first hosted the tournament over the original Duke’s Course all of 36 years ago.
Graeme McDowell, a Ryder Cup hero at Celtic Manor in 2010, joins fellow Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, Scotland’s Paul Lawrie and Y E Yang as the Major winners in the field, and the man known the world over as ‘GMac’ said: “Having the British Masters back on our schedule, on the back of the return of the Porsche European Open, is another big step in the right direction for The European Tour.
“I’ve spent some time with Keith Pelley (European Tour CEO) and I think we’ve got an exciting, strong leader to take us forward, and it is obviously great having Sky Sports on board too.
“I’ve not been to Woburn in about ten years so it is exciting to be back and we are all behind the return of the British Masters. Woburn is a great traditional, tree-lined course, and I know Ian Poulter will be a fantastic host, so it should be a superb week.”
In common with McDowell, Thomas Bjørn, Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Stephen Gallacher, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood all played in the victorious European team at The 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, and will be present at Woburn.
“It’s great to have the British Masters back on the schedule,” said Scotsman Gallacher, whose uncle Bernard captured back-to-back British Masters titles in 1974 and ‘75.
“British golf fans are up there with the best in the world and it’s great that they’ve now got another chance to see some top-class action. Woburn is a great venue and I’m looking forward to getting back there.”
Donaldson, who emulated McDowell’s 2010 Ryder Cup heroics by delivering the winning point last year, added: “I heard that the first day is already sold out, so that’s an indication of how popular golf events are in the UK and how much people have been looking forward to having another big tournament.”
“I really like Woburn as a course, it’s great,” said the Welshman. “It’s tree-lined, tight, and a traditional British course. I’m really looking forward to playing the British Masters there again.
“Having the British Masters back is a massive boost. The more the merrier, and having Sky Sports as a sponsor is good for the tournament and for the game. Hopefully this tournament will help get some kids buzzing about golf.”
Eddie Pepperell, one of an expanding group of emerging English talent, was in his teens when the British Masters last figured on The European Tour, and he said: “I never even watched it, let alone played in it, so it’ll be great to have the opportunity to be part of it this year. “
Pepperell, currently 31st in The Race to Dubai, added: “It’s just great to have another event in the UK for us British guys. Events in Britain are always well supported, and with it being quite close to where I live – only an hour or so by car – it’ll be great for my family and friends to have a rare chance to come and watch me. It’ll be nice to stay at home and have all the home comforts we usually miss when we’re away on the road. I’ve had quite a few ticket requests, and it’ll be great to have extra support.”
Pepperell’s high profile English compatriots, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, head the home entries while Ireland’s challenge to prevent the ‘Brits’ keeping the title at home will be spearheaded by three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington and the in-form Shane Lowry, the most recent winner of a World Golf Championship event at August’s Bridgestone Invitational.
Since its return was announced in March, the tournament has proved a big hit with the British public, with the opening round of the tournament a complete ‘sell out’ following the ‘Sky Sports Thursday’ promotion, which offered 15,000 free tickets as part of the event’s aim to attract a new and existing audience to golf.
Discounted advance tickets are now on general sale for the final three rounds of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports. Any one day tickets, which can be used from Friday October 9 to Sunday October 11, cost £25 (£15 concession) before October 4. The full gate price is £30. Adult season tickets (Friday – Sunday) cost £65 (£35 concession) before October 4. The full gate price for a season ticket is £75.
Hospitality packages are also available for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports from £249 + vat per person per day. For further information or to request a brochure call 0800 023 2557 email enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com or visit www.europeantourtickets.com.
Tickets for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports can be purchased online via www.europeantourtickets.com or http://tickets.sky.com/Golf/British-Masters or via the European Tour ticket hotline 0800 023 2557.
